The best road cycling routes around Ballyrolly
4.7
(19)
709
riders
28
rides
Road cycling around Ballyrolly features varied terrain, from rolling hills to coastal roads, characteristic of the Ards and North Down area. The region offers a mix of quiet country lanes and scenic routes, providing diverse cycling experiences. Cyclists can expect routes with different levels of challenge, including flat stretches and more demanding climbs. The landscape is noted for its picturesque views and coastal scenery.
Best road cycling routes around Ballyrolly
- The most popular road cycling route is Views at Strickies…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.5
(4)
65
riders
38.5km
01:33
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
53
riders
87.6km
03:29
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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52
riders
53.5km
02:23
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
25
riders
41.1km
01:37
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
20
riders
39.7km
01:36
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Ballyrolly
Tips from the Community
Burr Point marks the most easterly point on the island of Ireland. The spot is marked by a coastal sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. You can rest up in the sheltered cove which has a well-kept toilet and changing facilities close by.
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Helen's Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are by far the best within the Belfast area and as such are exceptionally popular and well used. Helen's Bay Beach is gently shelving and has excellent water quality making it ideal for bathing. The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities. There are disabled toilets and disabled parking a short distance from the beach. A path suitable for wheelchair users leads from the car park to a path running adjacent to it. Nearby Crawfordsburn Country Park has a Cafe / Restaurant, Car Parking, Picnic Sites,Toilets, and a Visitor Centre.
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Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order.
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Your as far east as it gets. chapeau ! rest up in the sheltered cove. Burr Point is the most easterly point on the mainland of the island of Ireland. The point is marked by a sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. Just offshore is the intriguingly named Burial Island. Local stories say the name comes from a Danish burial reputed to have taken place on the island. The name might also derive from the Irish for cormorant, na broighill, or from the pronunciation of “Burr Isle”. well kept and fully enclosed toilet & changing facilities.
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Lovely place to rest. There are tables arranged outside to the right of the Abbey. Grab some supplies from the shop just up the road in the village, and enjoy the atmosphere. The Abbey is open 24 / 7. Grey Abbey is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster, and was the daughter house of Holm Cultram (Cumbria). It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster. The remains, in the beautiful parkland setting of the nearby grand house of Rosemount, consist of the church with cloister and surrounding buildings to the south.
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A small visitor centre is located inside the Millers house with a Cafe onsite open to the public. Disabled access is not possible within the windmill. This is a group of traditional buildings on a sloping site with changes of level. Wheelchair users can gain access to the exhibition but may find this difficult. Some parts of the complex are inaccessible for wheelchairs. Please note: Online booking is essential. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day however cannot be guaranteed. Tours of the windmill can now be booked on the official Ballycopeland Windmill website https://www.ballycopelandwindmill.com .
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Ballyrolly?
There are over 25 road cycling routes around Ballyrolly, offering a variety of experiences from easy spins to more moderate challenges. The region features a mix of quiet country lanes and scenic coastal roads.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Ballyrolly?
Yes, Ballyrolly offers a good selection of easy road cycling routes. Approximately 16 of the available routes are graded as easy, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Ballywalter Beach – View of Donaghadee Parade loop from Donaghadee, which is an easy 41 km ride.
What are the typical distances and durations for road cycling routes in Ballyrolly?
Route distances vary significantly, from shorter loops around 37 km, like the Views at Strickies – Ballycopeland Windmill loop from Donaghadee (approx. 1 hour 32 minutes), to longer, more moderate rides up to 87 km, such as the Ballywalter Beach – Grey Abbey Ruins loop from Donaghadee, which typically takes around 3 hours 28 minutes.
Are there challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
While most routes are graded easy to moderate, the region's rolling hills and longer coastal stretches can provide a good workout. Routes like the Ballycopeland Windmill – Helen's Bay Beach loop from Millisle, at 53.7 km with over 400 meters of elevation gain, offer a moderate challenge for those seeking more demanding rides.
What kind of scenery can I expect on Ballyrolly's road cycling routes?
Road cycling around Ballyrolly is characterized by picturesque coastal paths, offering views of the sea, and quiet country lanes winding through rural landscapes. You'll encounter rolling hills and charming local scenery typical of the Ards and North Down area.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions along the road cycling routes?
Yes, several routes pass by interesting landmarks. You might cycle past the historic Ballycopeland Windmill, the iconic Donaghadee Lighthouse, or the ancient Grey Abbey Ruins. These attractions add cultural and historical interest to your ride.
Are there circular road cycling routes available in Ballyrolly?
Many of the road cycling routes in Ballyrolly are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Donaghadee Lighthouse – Bailie Lane loop from Donaghadee and the Views at Strickies – Ballycopeland Windmill loop from Donaghadee.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Ballyrolly?
The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Ballyrolly, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the coastal nature of the region means weather can be variable, so it's always wise to check the forecast before heading out.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Ballyrolly?
The road cycling routes in Ballyrolly are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic coastal views, and the network of quiet country lanes that provide diverse cycling experiences.
Is there parking available near the road cycling trails in Ballyrolly?
While specific parking details for every route start point are not provided, many towns and villages in the Ballyrolly area, such as Donaghadee and Millisle, offer public parking facilities that can serve as convenient starting points for your road cycling adventures.
Are there options for refreshments or cafes along the road cycling routes?
The routes often pass through or near local towns and villages where you can find cafes, shops, and other amenities for refreshments. Planning your route to include stops in places like Donaghadee or Millisle can enhance your cycling experience.
Most popular routes around Ballyrolly
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